Success Beyond the Musical: 11 Life Lessons from Alexander Hamilton

He wrote 51 essays while holding down a full-time law job. Alexander Hamilton's journey from a Caribbean orphan to the $10 bill isn't just a rags-to-riches story—it's a masterclass in relentless drive. Author Jeff Wilser has distilled the statesman's vast letters and documents into a guide for modern living.

11 Life Lessons from Alexander Hamilton: The Hustle and Heart

Hamilton didn't believe in innate genius. Instead, he defined it as the fruit of labor and thought. His work ethic was legendary; in 1792, when Congress demanded an audit of the financial system, he produced a 21,000-word report and turned it in two weeks early. He simply refused to let procrastination win.

• Don't fight for causes you don't believe in: Hamilton once regretted defending someone he knew was guilty and vowed to never let his professional skills override his personal ethics again.
• Look sharp: He believed a 'smart dress' was essential. As a self-made man, he understood that dressing for the role you want creates immediate authority.
• Embrace adversity: He viewed conflict as a chance to shine, believing that a person's best qualities are most visible during tough times.
• Forgive your enemies: Even after his fatal duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton's final moments were spent absolving his opponent of ill will.

Wealth, Debt, and Family

Hamilton was a pragmatist. He famously joked about marrying for money to secure his future, but he was equally serious about financial responsibility. He argued that the creation of debt must always come with a plan to pay it back—a rule he applied to the U.S. government's $54.1 million federal debt. Despite his ambition, he found his ultimate happiness at home with his wife, Eliza, and their eight children.